Top Things To See In Philadelphia's Society Hill Historic District

The Society Hill historic district of Philadelphia is one of the oldest in the city. Located near the Delaware River, Society Hill was one of the most popular areas up until the 1950s, when people started moving closer to Center City. However, thanks to its rich past, Society Hill still has a lot to see today. -- Melissa Watts

Society Hill Playhouse

507 South 8th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
(215) 923-0210
http://www.societyhillplayhouse.org/

The Society Hill Playhouse, according to their website, is a "theatre for people who don't like theatre, or who think they don't." This means that the playhouse isn't suited for fancy schmancy theater-goers. Instead, it's a theatre for the everyday folk. The playhouse has been bringing the arts to the area since 1960. Featuring mostly comedy shows, the Victorian-style Society Hill Playhouse is in the historic David Garrick Hall.

Society Hill Synagogue

418 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 922-6590
http://www.societyhillsynagogue.org/

The Society Hill Synagogue is so famous that it actually earned a spot in the National Register of Historic Places, a list of places the United States government considers worthy of preservation. In fact, the Society Hill Synagogue was first built in 1829 as a Baptist church by the same architect who designed the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. The synagogue underwent major repairs on the late 1960s and early 70s. With a new roof, a redesigned main entrance and other restorations, the church then earned its spot in the National Register of Historic places in 1971.

St. Peter's Church

313 Pine Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-5968
http://www.stpetersphila.org/Default.aspx

St. Peter's Church celebrated its 250th anniversary in 2008, signifying its longstanding presence in the Society Hill neighborhood. Founded in 1758 by Christ Church and built on land donated by William Penn's sons Thomas and Richard, St. Peter's Church was often visited by George and Martha Washington. Many famous Philadelphians are also buried in the church's graveyard. The design of the building is known as mid-Georgian, with clear glass windows throughout the church and boxes of pews.

Merchants Exchange Building

143 S 3rd Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 597-8787

The Merchants Exchange Building is a famous office building in Society Hill that is now known as a National Historic Landmark. The building was constructed in the early 1830s, when Philadelphia's economy was at its height. Architect William Strickland, who had recently worked on Independence Hall, the U.S. Mint, and the U.S. Naval Asylum, was chosen to design the building. His design was heavily influenced by the Greeks, featuring huge columns and long windows. Unfortunately, the inside is not open to visitors, but many can experience its wonder just by walking by the building.

Society Hill Towers

285 Street James Place
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 923-4105
http://www.societyhilltowers.com/home

The Society Hill Towers are recognizable as soon as you make your way into the neighborhood. With three, 32-story buildings designed by famous architect I.M. Pei, there's no way you could miss these buildings. In fact, Pei won the Progressive Architecture Award in 1961 for the Society Hill Towers. The buildings, which were completed in 1963, house more than 624 units that offer views of Penn's Landing and the Delaware River. The Towers include a gym, parking garage and a swim club for residents.